Meet Theresa Strong | Nonprofit Founder and Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Theresa Strong and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Theresa, how do you think about risk?
Risks are both a blessing and a curse. It is the gateway to realizing our potential, and the potential of what we have created, yet, it is terrifying, as it forces you to acknowledge the possibility of failure. In building Bel Inizio, I had experience working within a nonprofit, and working with homeless populations prior, yet there were so many wonderful nonprofits in the Houston area that already served this population well. Building and launching Bel Inizio was a risk; having the community to see its value, and take an active part in what we were doing and accomplishing was a risk. The truth is, your business is only as successful as the support you have behind it. You can come up with the best idea for a business or nonprofit, but if you do not have support, it will only go so far. Yet if you take the risk, you have the chance to move mountains; you have the chance to positively change lives; you have the chance to impact your community and city, perhaps garnering an even farther reach. None of this, however, is possible if you do not step out of your comfort zone and take risks. Because I acted out of this hope, Bel Inizio has positively changed the trajectory of almost 800 women in Houston, and I have experienced unparalleled joy and fulfillment in providing a services which has helped so many.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Located in Houston, Texas, Bel Inizio (Beautiful Beginning in Italian) helps disadvantaged women develop life skills and self-confidence through an eight-week fitness and nutrition education program. The mission of Bel Inizio (501 c3) is realized by way of a three-pronged system: a proven physical fitness program that trains women to complete a 5K race; a short-term therapeutic model that uses a brief intervention of eight weeks to change the life direction of its clients; and an empowerment program that inspires positive change in participants by challenging them to accomplish goals and guiding them on the path towards achievement. The ultimate goal is for these women to take the tools and skills acquired during the program – accountability, goal setting, self-discipline, and teamwork – and apply them to their daily lives to promote and encourage self-sufficiency. As Bel Inizio teams train to complete a 5K race, they learn about commitment, fitness, and nutrition. They see healthy behaviors in action and are offered tools to help them succeed once they are out on their own. Bel Inizio shows each woman that they matter. We help prepare them for the ultimate race — the race for a better life. Bel Inizio’s eight week training sessions are held throughout the year, and on average, caters to the needs of 40 to 50 women during each session. Since inception in 2010, Bel Inizio has helped almost 800 individuals cross the finish line.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in the city is undoubtedly Memorial Park. This beautifully scenic atmosphere has been the birthplace of many successful ideas relating to Bel Inizio. I can go there, engage in my own physical fitness, clear my mind, and think about the ways in which we provide our services. Memorial Park is inspiring; it inspires and brings peace and understanding. I often think about the ways in which Bel Inizio’s programs are run, and what can be added to enhance program outcomes. For several of our clients, Memorial Park is also a safe haven for them to continue to implement their fitness strategies that we’ve taught them. They, like me, find hope and life here. It is perhaps one of the most beautiful places in the city.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
It has taken a village to get Bel Inizio to the point where we are today. Over the past ten years we have had support from so many smart and creative people. From the beginning Becky Spaulding has provided energy and critical thinking, Jill Butler has donated hundreds of hours of creativity, and in many ways Molly Malone sparked the fire that took Bel Inizio from all-volunteer to a thriving nonprofit. Over the years I have been honored by the support of my parents, brothers and sisters, and many other family members. Above all, it is the blessing from Above that created and guides Bel Inizio day after day.

Website: www.Bel-Inizio.org

Instagram: www.instagram.com/belinizio/

Linkedin: @bel-inizio

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Bel.Inizio/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/beliniziohouston

Image Credits
Jennifer Klein, Scott Kohn, Thomas Lawrence, Janet Roe